Sunday, February 04, 2018

The Reef


The Reef is a 1912 novel by Edith Wharton. You can read it online here and here and listen to it via Librivox here. There are discussion questions here.

from the back of the book:
"I put most of myself into that opus," Edith Wharton said of The Reef, possibly her most autobiographical novel. Published in 1912, it was, Bernard Berenson told Henry Adams, "better than any previous work excepting Ethan Frome."

A challenge to the moral climate of the day, The Reef follows the fancies of George Darrow, a young diplomat en route from London to France, intent on proposing to the widowed Anna Leath. Unsettled by Anna's reticence, Darrow drifts into an affair with Sophy Viner, a charmingly naive and impecunious young woman whose relations with Darrow and Anna's family threaten his prospects for success.

For its dramatic construction and acute insight into social mores and the multifaceted problem of sexuality, The Reef stands as one of Edith Wharton's most daring works of fiction.
I have read several books by Wharton, including The House of Mirth, The Custom of the Country, and The Age of Innocence.

This is a 27-minute lifestyle video highlighting her home and design skills and demonstrating a dinner there:



Not a documentary but a lovely view of the house.

8 comments:

  1. Wow, this is wonderful. You have really showcased Edith Wharton's work and skills. I am also a big fan of her novels. Thanks for all the links and the PBS show, too. Fascinating.

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    1. Her books have a modern feel to them, I think. This book less so maybe, but I like her work.

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  2. I like Edith Wharton stories but like you until recently when you read this story, I haven't read the reef. I will have to check it out. happy new week. Hugs-Erika

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    1. This isn't my favorite, but I do like her writing.

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  3. Was an interesting program on a Wharton dinner party. :)

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    1. Yes, so pretty and elegant, isn't it!

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  4. Looks like a interesting read, thank you 😁. I hope you had a lovely weekend and wishing you a happy new week! J 😊

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    1. We went out for BBQ yesterday, and that always adds some joy to a week-end :) Hope your week goes well!

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